Monday, March 14, 2016

DIY Geometric Pendant Light

If you saw my recent closet makeover, then you may have seen a sneak peek of my DIY Geometric Light Fixture that I made with this brass figurine.

Today I’ll show you how to make it—it’s super simple!

Project Supply List:

Geometric Brass Figurine
Mini Pendant Light Kit
Needle nose pliers/wire cutters
14 Gauge Artistic Wire (from Amazon or in jewelry-making aisle at craft store)
Double Socket Adapter
(2) Round 25 watt light bulbs

HOW TO MAKE A DIY GEOMETRIC PENDANT LIGHT

Step 1

First, remove your old light fixture and install the mini pendant light kit. (Use caution, and hire an electrician if you aren’t comfortable doing this part yourself.) Be sure to snip the wires so the cord is as short as possible, with the socket adjusted to sit as close to the ceiling as it will go. (If you have high ceilings, you can make it as long as you’d like). Attach the double socket adapter by twisting it into place.

Step 2

Next, use your pliers to bend a loop of jewelry wire around the top of the brass figurine. Stretch the wire across to the other side and loop it again, attaching it across the top of the figurine.

Step 3

Repeat the process above, so you have two wires running parallel across the top of the figurine.

Step 4

Place your brass figurine onto your pendant light, placing the socket adapter between the two jewelry wires. Don’t let go yet as the wires will not hold it in place just yet. Pinch your two wires together around your pendant light socket, pressing them around the threaded portion of the socket. Hold them in place by using two shorter pieces of wire to “tie” the two pinched pieces of wire together. Do this by wrapping the short piece of wire around them on each side and pinching them closed with your pliers, forming a small loop around the existing wires. (See photo for guidance.) Snip any excess wire off with your wire cutters.

Step 5

Carefully reach inside the geometric figurine to install your light bulbs.

It doesn’t get much easier than that.

A few notes:

I really wanted a triple bulb socket, but I went with the double socket adapter because this particular pendant light kit only allows for a maximum of 60 watts. I had a hard time finding anything lower than 25 watt bulbs, and I knew I wanted round bulbs. So I went with two round 25 watt bulbs for a total of 50 watts, since I would rather stay under the recommended limit rather than going over. Pay attention to the instructions that come with your light kit, since this may vary depending on brand and type of kit.

You’ll have to play around with the wire situation to get it just right so that it is stable and provides a strong hold on your brass figurine. There was some trial and error involved with this, but in the end, the two pinched wires was the best solution I found. I wouldn’t worry about perfecting the look of it from above, since no one will really pay attention to how it is secured anyway when standing on the ground. I chose brass wire so it would blend in, and while my craftsmanship isn’t perfect, it does the job and unless you’re staring at it from a few inches away, it’s fine.

Here it is in our closet:

Even if you don’t use this exact brass figurine, I hope this inspires you to think outside the box when you see decorative items in the store. You can turn just about anything into a light fixture with a few tools and some creativity (and good ol’ trial and error).

Where would you install a light fixture like this?

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